
CIRDAP - REEDS International Rural Development Innovation Challenge 2026
ONE IDEA. ENDLESS CHANGE. COUNTLESS SMILES
Why This Challenge
Rural communities across Asia Pacific region face complex challenges - persistent
poverty, inequality, climate vulnerabilities, limited opportunities, lack of access to
services like healthcare and education, poor connectivity, limited job opportunities
leading to youth migration. Agricultural productivity and market access remain
difficult, further deepening rural disparities.
To address these issues, CIRDAP in collaboration with REEDS announces Rural
Development Innovation Challenge - a dynamic platform to discover, support and
amplify transformative ideas that can reshape rural future. This challenge invites bold,
practical and scalable innovations that improve rural livelihoods across Asia and the
Pacific.
This initiative is designed to spark creativity and action. By recognizing and rewarding
outstanding innovations, the challenge aims to accelerate rural progress and local
talent. Whether you are a community leader, researcher, entrepreneur, or student - if
you have a solution that can make a difference - we want to hear from you.
Why Participate?
Who Can Apply
Applicants should be from CIRDAP Member Countries (CMC's) :
Awards and Recognition
USD 500 each and Certificate of Appreciation
Selected Top 5 Innovations
Certificate of Appreciation
Next 10 Innovations
Featured in a CIRDAP publication circulated globally
All Submissions
Selected innovations will also be invited to showcase at international conferences, webinars, and CIRDAP events
Guidelines
Innovations/Solutions that
- Provide low-cost, high-impact solutions for rural communities in less time
- Inspire transformational changes that are scalable in other areas.
- Empower village communities, by improving livelihoods, dignity, and access to opportunities & resources
- Address rural challenges (poverty, food insecurity, social inequality, climate change, inadequate access to services and opportunities, poor connectivity, youth migration, and poor agricultural productivity). The topics are indicative, not exhaustive
Your innovation could be:
- A new model, technology, or process
- Policy, program, or case study
- A success story with proven impact
- An Implementable Concept
How to Apply
- Submit a proposal (Not more than 5 pages) - Proposal can be written in any language
- Attach at least few high-resolution photos
- Share clear evidence of impact (success stories, case studies, testimonials, data)
- Potential Deliverable
- Include your biography/organization profile + contact details
Last Submission Date 28 February 2026
Ms. Hurain Jannat, Communication Officer, CIRDAP
e-mail : [email protected]
WhatsApp: +880 1741589228
Collaboration
Organizer

Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific
The CIRDAP is a regional,
intergovernmental and autonomous organization. It
was established by the Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) of the United Nations for
promoting integrated rural development in the region.
CIRDAP has 15 member countries, namely Afghanistan, Bangladesh (Host State), Fiji,
India, Indonesia, Iran, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri
Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam, and based at Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Co-Presenting Partner

Rural Economic and Educational Development Society
Rural Economic and Educational Development
Society (REEDS) is a voluntary, not-for-profit organisation
established in 1989, dedicated to improving the quality of life
in rural communities. With a multi-state presence in India
and outreach in Canada (Toronto) and the USA (Texas).
REEDS promotes inclusive rural empowerment through
sustainable, community-centric interventions that enhance
livelihoods and socio-economic well-being.